Glenglassaugh – Sandend (50.5%)

This is a Highland single malt from Glenglassaugh, named after Sandend Bay near the distillery. It is bottled at 50.5% ABV, non-chill-filtered and without added colour. Rachel Barrie, the master blender, combines whiskies from bourbon, sherry and Manzanilla casks. The Manzanilla component adds a drier, saltier note to the sweeter fruit of the other casks. The nose is ripe pineapple, guava and creamy vanilla, with a little sea salt. On the palate there are orange, strawberry, sultanas and cinnamon, then creamy caramel with salty, seaweed-like notes. The finish is long, with sweet caramel and fading mineral, maritime accents.